MP Lucy Allan calls for clarity over future of Telford hospital services

Lucy Allan said it is essential to make sure Telford’s voice is heard in the ongoing proposals for the future of hospital services in Telford.

It comes after she attended a meeting on Friday with Shrewsbury & Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski, Simon Freeman, accountable officer for Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group, and Simon Wright, chief executive of Shropshire and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust.

It was held after Mr Kawczynski said he wanted to discuss his concerns over ‘massive gridlock and delay’ in the process.

Following the meeting, the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, which runs the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital, says it is now examining what short-term measures could be taken ahead of a decision by NHS Future Fit.

Ms Allan said she asked Mr Wright for an update and urged him to communicate the proposals for the future directly to residents.

Ms Allan said: “For many months my constituents have been misled and misinformed about the future of the PRH, causing real confusion and anxiety. Senior members of Telford & Wrekin Council have claimed that our A&E and our Women and Children’s Centre may close.

“In the light of the fear and concern these inaccurate statements have caused, particularly during recent weeks, I have asked Mr Wright and the Future Fit team to give better information to residents, clearly setting out plans for the future.

“We know that the proposal is to create two distinct sites offering different specialisms. I have been reassured that whatever is decided, the majority of patients currently attending A&E at PRH will continue to be seen at PRH and the majority of patients attending the Women and Children’s centre at the PRH will continue receive these services at PRH. We also know that new services and extensive capital investment are planned. Residents deserve to be told this information by NHS Future Fit.

“I was reassured that decision makers understand the need to communicate better, given the inaccurate claims that have been made locally. The process has taken far too long which has only added to the confusion. I am committed to ensuring Telford receives the local services we need and value so highly.”

Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) say they want to make sure that the services cross Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin are sustainable and tailored to local communities so they continue to meet the needs of people for the future.

They will be holding two public open meetings during June and early July on the issue 2017. On June 21, a meeting will be held from 11am to 1pm at Palmers Café, Shrewsbury, and on June 23, a meeting will be held from 11.30am to 1pm at Cabin Lane Church, Oswestry.

A meeting will be held at Donnington Life Long Learning Centre on June 30 from 12.30pm until 2pm and the final meeting will be held on July 3 from 10am to noon 12 noon at the Park Lane Centre in Woodside, Telford.

Chairman of Shropshire CCG, Dr Julian Povey, said: “We want to hear from people who have used the women’s and childrens’ services over the last two years. We would also look forward to receiving any input from the families, partners and friends of those patients.”

“We appreciate that many of those who would like to attend will have young children and babies, and they will be made very welcome. We will also be serving light refreshments at both of the events.”

Dr Jo Leahy, chairman of Telford and Wrekin CCG added: “This is an opportunity to help shape the women’s and children’s services for the years to come. It is really important that the people using those services are involved so we can take their feedback into account when considering the proposals and ensuring that local health services are fit for the future.”